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Background The European hedgehog ( Erinaceus europaeus ) is known for high levels of ectoparasitism that not only represents a health risk for the animals themselves, but also for pet animals and humans as hedgehogs are frequently taken into human care. In the present study, patterns of ectoparasite infestation were assessed in hedgehogs taken into care at northern German animal rehabilitation centres. Methods Ectoparasites (ticks, fleas and mites) of 498 hedgehogs were collected over a period of 3 years from July 2018 to May 2021. Species were identified based on morphological characteristics and also via amplification and sequencing of the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 (COX-2) gene for fleas of the family Ceratophyllidae. Seasonal changes in infestation patterns as well as correlations with animal age, body weight and health status were assessed using generalised linear models. Results Infestation with ticks, fleas and mites occurred throughout the year. Overall, 86.5% (431/498) of the examined hedgehogs were infested with ticks, 91.4% (455/498) with fleas and 17.7% (88/498) with mites . Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes hexagonus / Ixodes canisuga were the most common tick species detected, with the additional occurrence of one Ixodes frontalis. Significant seasonal changes were observed for I. ricinus , but not for I. hexagonus / I. canisuga . Additionally, I. ricinus nymph prevalence declined significantly as of 2020, probably as a consequence of the climate change-related drought as of 2018. In hedgehogs with flea infestations, Archaeopsylla erinacei , Ceratophyllus sciurorum , Nosopsyllus fasciatus and Ctenocephalides felis were identified. In all cases of mite infestation, Caparinia tripilis was detected, in addition to specimens of the family Macronyssidae and free-living mites of the family Acaridae. Statistical analyses showed correlations regarding the factors month, year, body weight and age, but no correlation was evident regarding the health status of the animals. Conclusions With a detected infestation rate of 98.6%, almost all of the examined hedgehogs were infested with at least one ectoparasite species. The seasonal activity patterns of the different ectoparasite species together with the complex annual cycle of hedgehogs lead to different seasonal patterns in ectoparasite prevalence and infestation intensities. Due to the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens as well as the possible negative impact on the host itself, hedgehogs should be treated against ectoparasites when taken into care facilities. Graphical Abstract

Güldenstädt, 1785, known as the Caucasian squirrel, is a rodent distributed in all geographical regions of Türkiye. The material of this study consists of ectoparasites collected from male found dead on the highway (Karasu, Sakarya, Türkiye). As a result of microscopic examination, the specimens were identified: ticks as Linnaeus, 1758 (larvae and nymph), sucking louses as Ferris, 1923 (female), and fleas as (Schrank, 1803) (female and male). In this study, the presence of infestation on is reported for the first time in Türkiye.

The functional diversity structure of a community can be represented as a combination of three additive components (species dominance D, functional redundancy R, and functional diversity Q) (DRQ approach in which different facets of functional differences between species are considered simultaneously). We applied this concept to assemblages of fleas and gamasid mites parasitic on small mammals at continental (across regions of the Palearctic) and regional (across sampling sites in Slovakia) scales and asked: What are the relative effects of host species, biome/habitat type, and geographic locality on the DRQ composition of a parasite assemblage? At the continental scale, regions were partitioned according to predominant biome or geographic position in a continental section. At the regional scale, sampling sites were partitioned according to habitat type or geographic locality. We tested for differences in the functional diversity structure (measured as the DRQ composition) of an ectoparasite assemblage (a) within a host species between biomes/habitat types or continental sections/localities and (b) between host species within a biome/habitat type or a continental section/locality. At both scales, the functional diversity structure of both flea and mite assemblages differed mainly between host species within a biome/habitat or geographic regions/locations, whereas differences in the DRQ composition between biomes/habitats or geographic regions/locations were only detected in a few host species. We compare our results with the results of earlier studies and conclude that the DRQ approach has an advantage over a single diversity metric and allows a better understanding of spatial variation in different facets of ectoparasite diversity.

Background A pivotal randomised, blinded, positive-controlled, multicentre, European field study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel combination tablet of lotilaner and milbemycin oxime (Credelio ® Plus) administered orally to client-owned dogs naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks. Methods In this field study, households with flea- or tick-infested dog(s) were enrolled on Day 0 into the study to provide data for either the tick or flea infestation cohorts. Households were randomised in a 2:1 ratio to receive either the combination investigational product (IP, Credelio Plus ® tablets) or the control product (CP: Nexgard Spectra ® tablets). Dogs were administered IP (flea cohort n  = 135; tick cohort: n  = 147) or CP (flea cohort: n  = 67; tick cohort: n  = 74) once every 4 weeks for a total of three times at a dose rate of 20.0–41.5 mg/kg bodyweight lotilaner and 0.75–1.53 mg/kg bodyweight milbemycin oxime (IP) or as recommended (CP). Percentage reduction was calculated by comparing individual dog flea and tick counts at each assessed post-treatment time point to their respective baseline (pre-treatment) infestation. Resolution of the clinical signs of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) was assessed in flea-allergic dogs on the days that flea counts were performed. Results Flea effectiveness of Credelio Plus ® after 3 consecutive monthly treatments was 100% against Ctenocephalides felis , C. canis and Pulex irritans . Tick effectiveness of Credelio Plus ® over the same time frame was 99.3% for Ixodes ricinus and 100% against Rhipicephalus sanguineus ( s.l. ). Flea effectiveness of the CP after three consecutive monthly treatments was 100% against C. felis , C. canis and P. irritans . Tick effectiveness of the CP over the same time frame was 99.8% for I. ricinus and 100% against R. sanguineus . Credelio Plus ® was well tolerated based on the safety assessments in all treated dogs in this field study. Within both treatment groups there was a reduction in total FAD scores from baseline. Conclusions This pivotal European field study demonstrated the excellent effectiveness and safety of a combination of lotilaner and milbemycin oxime (Credelio Plus ® ) administered orally to dogs naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks. Graphical Abstract

Pediculosis caused by head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation is still an important health problem in schoolchildren, especially girls, worldwide, including in Thailand. Although pediculicidal agents effectively kill head lice, the re-infestation rate is still high. Thus, prevention is an important strategy for any sustainable control program. We aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a health education program for increasing knowledge, changing attitudes and promoting preventive practices to reduce prevalence of pediculosis among school girls in Amphoe Muang, Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand. Six schools were selected using multistage simple randomization and were allocated into intervention or control groups. A total of 267 girls was enrolled from these schools. A \"knowledge, attitude and practice\" (KAP) questionnaire, consent forms and health education materials were constructed and tested by experts and in one pilot school before the main investigation. Baseline prevalence of adult lice and nits was determined. The health education package was given only to the intervention group. The KAP questionnaire was re-evaluated at two months after intervention. At baseline, the prevalence and intensity of head lice infestation, and the KAP scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. After re-evaluation at two months, the KAP score was significantly greater in the intervention group. A significant decrease of the infestation rate from 59% to 44% was observed in the intervention group, whereas infestation increased in the control group (from 56% to 65%). The incidence of new cases in the intervention group (6.14%) was lower than in the control group (12.62%). These findings indicated that the newly-established health education package is an effective tool for increasing KAP and reducing head lice infestation in school girls. Efforts to combat pediculosis in schoolchildren elsewhere may consider including this, or a similar, health education package in their programs.

Ticks and fleas are vectors of medically important infectious diseases globally, such as Rickettsiae. These pathogens are frequently reported in Southeast Asia, including Laos; however, there are very few comprehensive reports on their prevalence and vector diversity in urban areas. This study collected ectoparasites from companion animals to assess pathogen prevalence and exposure risk. In five veterinary clinics across Vientiane capital, ectoparasites were collected from dogs and cats and identified to the species level using both morphological and molecular methods. Ectoparasite DNA samples were screened for bacteria ( 17-kDa and 16S rRNA gene). Ticks were submitted to evaluate the potential of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for species identification. A total of 3,771 arthropod vectors (3,658 ticks, 105 fleas, 8 lice) were removed from dogs and cats. Ticks were morphologically identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) tropical lineage (currently recognised as Rhipicephalus linnaei ), whilst fleas were classified as either Ctenocephalides felis felis (57.1%) or C. f. orientis (42.9%) and lice were Heterodoxus spiniger . The MALDI-TOF spectra in this study revealed similar mass-to-charge (m/z) peak profiles to those reported in previous studies for Rhipicephalus sanguineus . Rickettsia spp. ( Rickettsia asembonensis and Rickettsia felis ) were detected in 44.4% of pooled flea samples collected from 12 dogs and 4 cats, as well as 3.5% of tick pools collected from 142 dogs and 50% of lice pools collected from 2 dogs. In addition, Anaplasmataceae ( Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys ) were detected in 22.5% of ticks collected from dogs. This study highlights the diversity of ectoparasite species collected from dogs and cats and provide preliminary insights into the use of MALDI-TOF MS for tick species identification. While promising, further research is needed to enhance the reliability and efficacy of this approach. The findings also reveal a high prevalence of pathogens in ectoparasites, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among pet owners, veterinarians, and addressing public health concerns.

A faunal study is presented to determine the species of ectoparasites found in the opossum Didelphis virginiana (Kerr) (Marsupialia: Didelphidae). For this, Tomahawk traps were placed in the peridomiciles of a rural town in Yucatán, to capture individuals of this marsupial and proceed to the collection of their ectoparasites. A total of 3,023 arthropods were collected from 145 opossums. The most frequent ectoparasites were the acarines Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) nr. talaje (64.8%) (Argasidae); Ornithonyssus wernecki Fonseca (53.8%) (Macronyssidae) and Didelphilicus serrifer Fain (25.5%) (Atopomelidae); the ticks Amblyomma parvum Aragão (8.3%) and A. mixtum Koch (10.3%) (Ixodidae); and the fleas Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) (20.7%) and Pulex simulans Baker (8.3%) (Pulicidae). It is concluded that the ectoparasite fauna of this marsupial is mainly composed of euryxenous organisms, which have been documented as vectors of diseases caused by rickettsial bacteria. Since D. virginiana is widely adapted to the peridomiciliary environment in the region, this study allows recognizing those that represent a potential risk for the transmission of vector-borne zoonotic diseases.

Background The worldwide increment of cat populations has increased the risk of ectoparasite infestation and feline vector-borne pathogen (VBP) transmission. In low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, favorable climatic conditions and the absence of preventive measures against ectoparasites contribute to broadening VBP circulation. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of protozoal (i.e., Hepatozoon , Babesia , and Cytauxzoon species) and bacterial (i.e., Anaplasma , Ehrlichia , Rickettsia , and Bartonella species) infections in owned cats and in their ectoparasites in southern Ethiopia. Methods The study was conducted in four districts of the Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia. Cats were sampled, and information about the animals was recorded. Blood samples were collected on Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards, while ectoparasites were collected by combing and stored in 70% ethanol. Fleas were morphologically identified, and DNA was extracted from both blood samples and ectoparasites, then submitted to molecular analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and end-point PCR were used to detect pathogens. Positive samples were sequenced, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed on the obtained Hepatozoon spp. and Rickettsia spp. sequences. Results Overall, 109 cats were sampled, and 115 fleas (i.e., 28 Ctenocephalides felis and 87 Echidnophaga gallinacea ) and three ticks ( Haemaphysalis laechi ) were collected. Molecular analysis of feline blood samples revealed Hepatozoon spp. as the most common pathogen (36.7%; CI:28.3–46.1%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (5.5%; CI: 2.5–11.5%), Bartonella spp. (2.8%; CI:0.9–7.8%), and Babesia spp. (0.9%; CI:0.2–5.0%); whereas fleas harbored mostly Rickettsia spp. (52.2%; CI:43.1–61.1%), followed by Bartonella spp. (6.1%; CI: 3.0–12.0%), and Hepatozoon spp. (0.9%; CI: 0.2–4.8%). According to phylogenetic clustering, specimens of the Hepatozoon genus were classified as H. felis , H. luiperdjie, , and H. canis . Concerning the genus Rickettsia , it was not possible to reach a clear identification for the majority of the sequences, apart from some specimens ascribable to R. felis and R. asembonensis . Conclusions Vector-borne pathogens posing significant threats to animal and human health were detected in this study. Molecular analysis suggested the circulation of different and genetically variable species in the feline host. The molecular approach allowed the identification of VBPs in the cat population and their fleas, providing new data on their occurrence and prevalence in Ethiopia and, more generally, in sub-Saharan Africa. Graphical abstract

Parasite species interactions, host biology traits, and external environmental factors can drive co-occurrence patterns between parasite species. We investigated co-occurrence patterns between three ectoparasite species (mite ( Neotrombicula harperi ), and fleas ( Orchopeas caedens and Ceratophyllus vison )) of North American red squirrels ( Tamiasciurus hudsonicus ). We evaluated (1) whether ectoparasites of red squirrels exhibit non-random co-occurrence patterns, and (2) the contribution of host and external environmental factors to parasite co-occurrence. Bayesian ordination and regression analysis (boral) revealed random associations between parasite species pairs when accounting for host and external environmental factors. However, the mite N. harperi exhibited a negative association with the flea O. caedens and positive association with the flea C. vison linked to temporal patterns of occurrence. Our data suggests that parasites of the investigated population of red squirrels tend to form associations based on temporal trends in infestation rather than species interactions. Further experimentation should investigate the role of additional factors on parasite co-occurrence patterns, such as temperature, precipitation, and humidity.

Background Vector-borne pathogens are the subject of several investigations due to the zoonotic concern of some of them. However, limited data are available about the simultaneous presence of these pathogens in cats and their ectoparasites. The aim of the present study was to define the species of ectoparasites found on cats as well as to investigate vector-borne pathogens in cats and their ectoparasites in southern Italy. Methods Blood from 42 cats and fleas or flea pools ( n  = 28) and ticks ( n  = 73) collected from them were investigated by quantitative PCR for the detection of vector-borne pathogens. Feline serum samples were tested by IFAT to detect IgG antibodies against Leishmania infantum, Bartonella henselae , Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi , Babesia microti , Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum antigens. Results Only one flea species ( Ctenocephalides felis ) and four tick species belonging to the genera Rhipicephalus and Ixodes were identified on cats from southern Italy. Molecular evidence of Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., hemoplasmas, Babesia vogeli and L. infantum was found in ectoparasites (fleas and/or ticks) while DNA from Hepatozoon felis and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. was not detected. Likewise, DNAs from Bartonella, hemoplasma and Leishmania were the only pathogens amplified from feline blood samples. Cats had also antibodies against all the investigated pathogens with the exception of Rickettsia typhi . Agreement between serological and molecular results in individual cats and their ectoparasites was not found. The only exception was for Bartonella with a fair to moderate agreement between individual cats and their ectoparasites. Bartonella clarridgeiae was the species most frequently found in cats and their fleas followed by B. henselae . Conclusions In conclusion, cats harboring ticks and fleas are frequently exposed to vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, ticks and fleas harbored by cats frequently carry pathogens of zoonotic concern therefore appropriate feline ectoparasiticide preventative treatments should be used in cats.